Plumbing repair sump system

ABSTRACT

A pump out system removes a liquid from a worksite and includes a pump, a power source, a rigid spacer, a coupling, and a flexible discharge hose. The pump moves the liquid from an intake of the pump to an output of the pump in response to receiving power. The power source selectively connects to the pump to provide power to the pump. The rigid spacer connects the power source to the pump and spaces the power source from the submersible pump. The coupling sealingly secures the rigid spacer to the pump and prevents ingress of the liquid into the rigid spacer and a cavity defined by the coupling and the pump. The flexible discharge hose connects to the output of the pump and communicates the liquid from the output of the pump away from the worksite.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This non-provisional patent application claims priority to U.S.

Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/031,924, filed May 29, 2020,and titled “PLUMBING REPAIR SUMP SYSTEM,” the entire disclosure of whichis hereby incorporated by reference.

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the reproduction of the patent document or the patentdisclosure, as it appears in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office patentfile or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING OR COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to systems and methods forrepairing plumbing systems. More particularly, this invention pertainsto pumping water out from plumbing worksites.

To access broken water lines, malfunctioning plumbing valves, andmalfunctioning water meters, a hole around the relevant lines and valvesmust be dug. In the case of a malfunctioning meter or main valve, thehole may already be present around the relevant parts. However, when thehole is dug or the valve or meter are removed, the hole fills with waterfrom the lines or water source. The hole must be drained to begin workon the broken components of the water system. Since the water hasnowhere to be drained to, the water must be pumped out of the hole. Thisis currently done by a manual handpump. While effective and reliable, amanual handpump takes a significant amount of time to empty most holesbig enough to work in, and if water continues draining into the hole,the hole will refill with water causing the plumber to cease working onthe water system and again pump the water out of the hole. The plumbercannot repair the water system while keeping the hole free from water,so the job becomes of a cycle of working on the water system until thewater becomes problematic, pumping the water out of the hole, andreturning to working on the water system until the water must again bepumped out of the hole. Electric pumps do not solve these problemsbecause main line water plumbing issues typically happen far from houses(and the house's electrical outlets) and such electric pumps arecentrifugal pumps not designed to draw water up several feet to primethemselves. Gas powered pumps do not solve these problems because theytoo are centrifugal pumps incapable of drawing water up a significantvertical height to prime the pump, and they require significant time andeffort to stop and restart.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention provide a battery powered miniaturizedsump pump capable of lifting water several feet for discharge. The pumpcan be switched on and off via a switch at the worksite (i.e., hole dugto access the plumbing problem), and an integral hose discharges thewater outside of the worksite hole.

In one aspect, a pump out system is configured to remove a liquid from aworksite. The pump out system includes a pump, a power source, a rigidspacer, a coupling, and a discharge hose. The pump is configured to movethe liquid from an intake of the pump to an output of the pump inresponse to receiving power. The power source is configured toselectively connect to the pump to provide power to the pump. The rigidspacer is configured to connect the power source to the pump and spacethe power source from the pump. The coupling is configured to sealinglysecure the rigid spacer to the pump and prevent ingress of the liquidinto the rigid spacer and a cavity defined by the coupling and the pump.The flexible discharge hose is configured to connect to the output ofthe pump and communicate liquid moved to the output of the pump awayfrom the worksite.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partially exploded schematic diagram of a pump out systemaccording to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the pump out system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the pump out system of FIGS. 1 and2 in which a handle of the pump out system is removed and a rechargeport of the pump out system is visible.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the pump out system of FIGS. 1, 2and 3 in which the handle of the pump out system is removed and therecharge port of the pump out system is visible

FIG. 5 is a top isometric view of the pump out system of FIGS. 1-4 inwhich the handle of the pump out system is removed and the recharge portof the pump out system is visible

FIG. 6. is an enlarged perspective side view of an end of a flexibledischarge hose of the pump out system of FIGS. 1-5.

Reference will now be made in detail to optional embodiments of theinvention, examples of which are illustrated in accompanying drawings.Whenever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawingand in the description referring to the same or like parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the making and using of various embodiments of the presentinvention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated thatthe present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts thatcan be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specificembodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways tomake and use the invention and do not delimit the scope of theinvention.

To facilitate the understanding of the embodiments described herein, anumber of terms are defined below. The terms defined herein havemeanings as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in theareas relevant to the present invention. Terms such as “a,” “an,” and“the” are not intended to refer to only a singular entity, but ratherinclude the general class of which a specific example may be used forillustration. The terminology herein is used to describe specificembodiments of the invention, but their usage does not delimit theinvention, except as set forth in the claims.

As described herein, an upright position is considered to be theposition of apparatus components while in proper operation or in anatural resting position as described herein. Vertical, horizontal,above, below, side, top, bottom and other orientation terms aredescribed with respect to this upright position during operation unlessotherwise specified. The term “when” is used to specify orientation forrelative positions of components, not as a temporal limitation of theclaims or apparatus described and claimed herein unless otherwisespecified. The terms “above”, “below”, “over”, and “under” mean “havingan elevation or vertical height greater or lesser than” and are notintended to imply that one object or component is directly over or underanother object or component.

The phrase “in one embodiment,” as used herein does not necessarilyrefer to the same embodiment, although it may. Conditional language usedherein, such as, among others, “can,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and thelike, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understoodwithin the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certainembodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certainfeatures, elements and/or states. Thus, such conditional language is notgenerally intended to imply that features, elements and/or states are inany way required for one or more embodiments or that one or moreembodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or withoutoperator input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/orstates are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

Referring generally now to FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, a pump out system 110 isconfigured to remove a liquid from a worksite and includes a pump 120, apower source 122, a rigid spacer 124, a coupling 126, and a flexibledischarge hose 128. With reference to FIG. 1, the pump 120 is configuredto move the liquid from an intake 134 of the pump 120 to an output 136of the pump 120 in response to receiving power. In one embodiment, thepump 120 is a 12 volt direct current (DC) pump. In one embodiment, thepump 120 is a submersible centrifugal pump. In one embodiment, the pump120 has a first end 138 and a second end 140, the first end 138 isopposite the second end 140, the coupling 126 is secured to the firstend 138, the intake 134 is located at the second end 140, and the output136 is between the first end 138 and the second end 140.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the power source 122 is configuredto selectively connect to the pump 120 to provide power to the pump 120.With reference to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the power source 122includes a housing 146 and a battery 148. With reference to FIG. 2, thepower source 122 further includes a switch 150. With reference to FIG.1, in one embodiment, the battery 148 is a 12 volt DC battery. Thus, thepower source 122 operates at 12 volts direct current. In one embodiment,the housing 146 defines a cavity 152, the battery 148 is disposed in thecavity 152, and the housing 146 is configured to prevent ingress of theliquid into the cavity 152 and the rigid spacer 124. In other words, thehousing 146 is weatherproof. In one embodiment, the power source 122further includes padding 154 (e.g., foam blocks, spray-in expandingfoam, elastomeric inserts, etc.) configured to reduce movement of thebattery 148 relative to the housing 146. With reference to FIGS. 1 and2, in one embodiment, the power source 122 also includes a handle 164(e.g., bent metal) configured to aid a user in transporting the pump outsystem 110. With reference to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, in one embodiment, thebattery 148 (shown in FIG. 1) is rechargeable and the power source 122further includes a recharge port 168 configured to selectively connectthe battery 148 to a charger (not shown). With reference to FIGS. 1, 3,and 4, in one embodiment, the power source 122 further includes anadapter 172 configured to threadably engage with the rigid spacer 124.More specifically, in one embodiment, the adapter 172 is a threadedflange attached to the housing 146 with threaded fasteners 174. In oneembodiment, the housing 146 includes a box 182 and a cover 184configured to sealingly engage with the box 182. With reference to FIG.5, the cover 184 defines a hole 188 configured to receive the switch 150(e.g., a toggle switch, a push button a rocker, etc.). In oneembodiment, the cover 184 is mounted to the box 182 via threadedfasteners 174 (e.g., screws). With reference to FIG. 2, in oneembodiment, the handle 164 is attached to the cover 184 via threadedfasteners 174.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the rigid spacer 124 is configuredto connect the power source 122 to the pump 120 and space the powersource 122 from the pump 120. In one embodiment, the rigid spacer 124 isa tube connecting the power source 122 to the pump 120. In oneembodiment, the rigid spacer 124 is formed of plastic (e.g., polyvinylchloride (PVC), polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS),etc.). With reference to FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the rigid spacer 124includes a sleeve 194 and an adapter 196 secured (e.g., glued, welded,screwed, etc.) to an end 198 of the sleeve 194. In one embodiment, theadapter 196 is threaded into the flange of the power source 122.

With reference to FIG. 1, the coupling 126 is configured to sealinglysecure the rigid spacer 124 to the pump 120 and prevent ingress of theliquid in the worksite into the rigid spacer 124 and a cavity 202defined by the coupling 126 and the pump 120 together with the rigidspacer 124. In one embodiment, the coupling 126 is flexible (e.g., anelastomeric boot). In one embodiment, the coupling 126 is secured to therigid spacer 124 via one or more of a hose clamp, an adhesive, shrinkfitting, and welding (e.g., ultrasonic, friction, infrared, etc.). Inone embodiment, the coupling 126 is secured to the pump 120 via one ormore of a hose clamp, the adhesive, shrink fitting, and welding.

With reference to FIG. 1, the flexible discharge hose 128 is configuredto connect to the output 136 of the pump 120 and communicate the liquidfrom the output 136 of the pump 120 away from the worksite (e.g., out ofthe hole into which the pump 120 is inserted by a user). With referenceto FIGS. 3-6 in one embodiment, the flexible discharge hose 128 is acorrugated hose.

With reference to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the pump out system 110further includes a weight 208. With reference to FIG. 1, a first end 210of the flexible discharge hose 128 is configured to connect to theoutput 136 of the pump 120, and the weight 208 (shown in FIG. 3) isconfigured to attach to the flexible discharge hose 128 at a second end212 of the flexible discharge hose 128 opposite the first end 210 of theflexible discharge hose 128.

With reference to FIG. 6, in one embodiment, the pump out system 110further includes a hose fitting 218 configured to attach to the flexibledischarge hose 128 at the second end 212 of the flexible discharge hose128. In one embodiment, the hose fitting 218 is integral with the weight208 and is thus weighted.

With reference to FIG. 6, in one embodiment, the pump out system 110further includes a loop 224 configured to receive a ground stake orstaple (not shown). This secures the second end 212 of the dischargehose 128 to the ground outside the worksite such that when the pump 120turns on (i.e., motor starts), the second end 212 of the discharge hose128 does not fall back into the worksite (e.g., hole). The loop 224 isconfigured to attach to the flexible discharge hose 128 at the secondend 212 of the flexible discharge hose 128.

With reference to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the pump out system 110further includes wiring 230 (shown in phantom) configured to place thepower source 122 in electrical communication with the pump 120. Thewiring 230 extends through the rigid spacer 124. More specifically, therigid spacer 124 acts as a sleeve for the wiring 230. In one embodiment,the wiring 230 extends through a hole 236 defined in a bottom 238 of thehousing 146. In one embodiment, the switch 150 (shown in FIGS. 2-5) isconnected to the wiring 230.

With reference to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the pump out system 110also includes a connector 244 configured to secure the flexibledischarge hose 128 to the output 136 of the pump 120. More specifically,the connector 244 is connected to the output 136 of the pump 120 and theflexible discharge hose 128 is connected to the connector 244. In oneembodiment, the connector 244 is barbed. In one embodiment, theconnector 244 is bent (e.g., to a 90 degree angle).

With reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, in one embodiment, the pump outsystem 110 also includes a clip 250 configured to secure the flexibledischarge hose 128 to one or more of the rigid spacer 124 and the powersource 122.

In operation, the user places the pump end of the pump out system 110into a hole exposing plumbing to be repaired. The user turns the powersource 122 on to activate the pump 120. The pump 120 includes a motordriving an impeller and a float switch. The switch of the power sourcemay be a three position switch including off, on, and float switch. Inthe float switch position, the power source 122 provides power to thefloat switch, and the in the on position, the float switch is bypassedto directly provide power via wiring from the switch to the motor of thepump. The pump 120 transfers water from the hole into the flexibledischarge hose 128, and the flexible discharge hose 128 communicates thewater up out of the hole and laterally onto the ground a distance awayfrom the hole (i.e., worksite) when on or active (i.e., when the motoris receiving power directly from the switch or via the float switch). Inother words, a method to remove a liquid from a worksite includesproviding the pump out system 110, placing the intake 134 of the pump120 in the liquid, unfurling the flexible discharge hose 128 away fromthe worksite, and selectively providing power from the power source 122to the pump 120. It should be appreciated that the weight 208 and/or theloop 224 may aid in retaining the second end 212 of the flexibledischarge hose 128 at a location away from the worksite.

In one embodiment, the pump system includes a 1100 gph 12 volt bilgepump. The power supply is a 4″×5″ sealed 12 volt DC battery. The pump isheld in place with a 1.5″×2″ flexible rubber coupling. A 30″ long pieceof PVC is attached to the 1.5″ end of the rubber coupling. The piece of1.5″ PVC will also act as a sleeve for pump wire splices to extend outthe top of the PVC pipe. A 1.5″ male adapter is glued to the top of the1.5″ PVC. A threaded 1.5″ galvanized flange and a 6″×6″ weatherproofelectric box houses the battery and connects it to the pump. The flangeis attached to the box with 2 0.25″ nuts and bolts. The 1.5″ maleadapter is threaded into the 1.5″ flange and wire is passed through a ¼″hole drilled in the bottom of the weatherproof housing. A hole is cut inthe top of the box to install a toggle switch. The battery is placed inthe housing and foam is used to fill the space around the battery. Theswitch is wired in to the battery and wires, and the top of the box isscrewed on. A handle (e.g., bent metal) is attached to the top of thehousing to aid in inserting and removing the spacer and pump from aworksite hole. A 1″ barbed elbow is connected to the 1″ discharge portof the pump, and a 6′ piece of 1″ corrugated hose is connected to theelbow barb.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention andalso to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention,including making and using any devices or systems and performing anyincorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is definedby the claims, and may include other examples that occur to thoseskilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within thescope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differfrom the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalentstructural elements with insubstantial differences from the literallanguages of the claims.

It will be understood that the particular embodiments described hereinare shown by way of illustration and not as limitations of theinvention. The principal features of this invention may be employed invarious embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize numerous equivalentsto the specific procedures described herein. Such equivalents areconsidered to be within the scope of this invention and are covered bythe claims.

All of the compositions and/or methods disclosed and claimed herein maybe made and/or executed without undue experimentation in light of thepresent disclosure. While the compositions and methods of this inventionhave been described in terms of the embodiments included herein, it willbe apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that variations may beapplied to the compositions and/or methods and in the steps or in thesequence of steps of the method described herein without departing fromthe concept, spirit, and scope of the invention. All such similarsubstitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art aredeemed to be within the spirit, scope, and concept of the invention asdefined by the appended claims.

Thus, although there have been described particular embodiments of thepresent invention of a new and useful PLUMBING REPAIR PUMP SYSTEM it isnot intended that such references be construed as limitations upon thescope of this invention except as set forth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pump out system configured to remove a liquidfrom a worksite, said pump out system comprising: a pump configured tomove the liquid from an intake of the pump to an output of the pump inresponse to receiving power; a power source configured to selectivelyconnect to the pump to provide power to the pump; a rigid spacerconfigured to connect the power source to the pump and space the powersource from the pump; a coupling configured to sealingly secure therigid spacer to the pump and prevent ingress of the liquid into a cavitydefined by the rigid spacer, coupling, and the pump; and a flexibledischarge hose configured to connect to the output of the pump andcommunicate the liquid from a first end of the flexible discharge hoseat the output of the pump to a second end of the flexible discharge hoseaway from the worksite.
 2. The pump out system of claim 1, wherein thepower source comprises a housing, a battery, and a switch.
 3. The pumpout system of claim 2, wherein: the cavity is a first cavity; thehousing defines a second cavity; the battery is disposed in the secondcavity; and the housing and rigid spacer are configured to cooperate toprevent ingress of the liquid into the second cavity and the rigidspacer.
 4. The pump out system of claim 2, wherein the power sourcefurther comprises padding configured to reduce movement of the batteryrelative to the housing.
 5. The pump out system of claim 2, wherein thepower source further comprises a handle configured to aid a user intransporting the pump out system.
 6. The pump out system of claim 2,wherein the battery is rechargeable and the power source furthercomprises a recharge port configured to selectively connect the batteryto a charger.
 7. The pump out system of claim 1, wherein the pump is asubmersible centrifugal pump.
 8. The pump out system of claim 1, whereinthe power source and pump are configured to operate at 12 volts directcurrent.
 9. The pump out system of claim 1, further comprising a weight,wherein the first end of the flexible discharge hose is configured toconnect to the output of the pump, and the weight is configured toattach to the flexible discharge hose at the second end of the flexibledischarge hose opposite the first end of the flexible discharge hose.10. The pump out system of claim 1, further comprising a hose fitting,wherein the first end of the flexible discharge hose is configured toconnect to the output of the pump, and the hose fitting is configured toattach to the flexible discharge hose at the second end of the flexibledischarge hose opposite the first end of the flexible discharge hose.11. The pump out system of claim 1, further comprising a loop configuredto receive a ground stake or staple, wherein the first end of theflexible discharge hose is configured to connect to the output of thepump, and the loop is configured to attach to the flexible dischargehose at the second end of the flexible discharge hose opposite the firstend of the flexible discharge hose.
 12. The pump out system of claim 1,wherein the coupling is flexible and formed of one or more of thematerials of rubber or silicone.
 13. The pump out system of claim 1,wherein: the coupling is secured to the rigid spacer via one or more ofa hose clamp, an adhesive, a shrink fitting, or ultrasonic welding; andthe coupling is secured to the pump via one or more of a hose clamp, anadhesive, a shrink fitting, or ultrasonic welding.
 14. The pump outsystem of claim 1, further comprising wiring configured to transferelectrical power from the power source to the pump, wherein the wiringresides at least partially within and extends through the rigid spacerand the rigid spacer is configured to form a water tight connection withboth the pump via the coupling and the power source such that water inthe worksite cannot reach the wiring.
 15. The pump out system of claim1, further comprising a connector configured to secure the flexibledischarge hose to the output of the pump.
 16. The pump out system ofclaim 1, wherein: the pump has a first end and a second end; the firstend of the pump is opposite the second end of the pump; the coupling issecured to the first end of the pump; the intake is located at thesecond end of the pump; and the output of the pump is between the firstend of the pump and the second end of the pump.
 17. The pump out systemof claim 1, further comprising a clip configured to releasably securethe flexible discharge hose to one or more of the rigid spacer or thepower source, wherein: the power source comprises an adapter configuredto threadingly engage with the rigid spacer.
 18. A method to remove aliquid from a worksite comprising: providing a pump out system, whereinthe pump out system comprises: a pump configured to move the liquid froman intake of the pump to an output of the pump in response to receivingpower; a power source configured to selectively connect to the pump toprovide power to the pump; a rigid spacer configured to connect thepower source to the pump and space the power source from the pump; acoupling configured to sealingly secure the rigid spacer to the pump andprevent ingress of the liquid into the rigid spacer and a cavity definedby the coupling and the pump; and a flexible discharge hose configuredto connect to the output of the pump and communicate the liquid from tothe output of the pump away from the worksite; placing the intake of thepump in the liquid; unfurling the flexible discharge hose away from theworksite; and selectively providing power from the power source to thepump.
 19. A pump out system configured to remove a liquid from aworksite, said pump out system comprising: a pump configured to move theliquid from an intake of the pump to an output of the pump in responseto receiving power; a power source configured to selectively providepower to the pump; a rigid spacer configured to connect the power sourceto the pump and space the power source from the pump; a flexibledischarge hose configured to connect to the output of the pump andcommunicate the liquid from a first end of the flexible discharge hoseat the output of the pump to a second end of the flexible discharge hoseaway from the worksite; wherein: the rigid spacer is configured toconnect to both the pump and the power source via a water tightconnection.
 20. The pump out system of claim 19, wherein: the pumpfurther comprises a float switch; the power source comprises a 3position switch, said switch having an off position, an on position anda float switch position; in the on position, the switch provides powerto a motor of the pump such that the motor runs so long as the switch isin the on position and the power source has power; and in the floatswitch position, the switch provides power to the motor of the pump viathe float switch such that the motor of the pump runs only when thefloat switch indicates the presence of water at the pump, the switch isin the float switch positions, and the power source has power.